Why would my father’s mark be all the way here in Kingsworth? Was he responsible for the late king’s death? Were there other members of the Brotherhood stationed here in Kingsworth with me? Lastly, if he was responsible for Brogan’s death, why had he planned it to coincide with my arrival?
I needed to figure out what was going on. I needed answers.
Quickly, I made my way back toward Neegan’s study. The sun was beginning to set, and I happened to notice he was at a late dinner with the rest of the advisory council along the way. His office was empty, and I slipped inside. Silently, I explored the rest of the room. I found nothing more of value other than the journal. I watched the trajectory of the sun in order to track the time and when I felt like I’d been inside the study long enough, I vanished back into the castle walls.
Neegan returned a short while later. I watched him work for a few hours after that, until he finally disappeared once again. When I was sure he was gone, I went back inside and took the journal back out.
For a while, I continued to read under the light of the moon. I told myself it was simply to learn more about the Cult, but I knew that I was also curious about Magnar. For some reason, I wanted to get to know him better. I told myself I hated him for what he’d done to me, but the more time I was away from him the more I realized that I was only lying to myself. I was drawn to him and as much as I denied it, part of the reason I’d stayed in the castle walls for so long was that I wanted to be close to him.
He was the man on my mind when I went to sleep at night, and he was the one I thought of when I woke.
The sound of the lock turning caught me off guard and by the time the door swung open, it was far too late for me to slip back into the hidden passageway. Swiftly, I put the journal back into the drawer, pressed it closed, and concealed myself beneath his desk. I held my breath for several long moments before a man cleared his throat.
I recognized that sound. It was Neegan. I closed my eyes and he chuckled softly.
“When I sensed the fragrance of a defiant omega in my office this morning, I had thought it was my mind playing tricks on me,” he murmured.
What was he doing up? It was the middle of the night. He should be asleep in his bed, not here in the same room as me.
“I could come in there and drag you out by your hair,” he warned and still I stayed silent.
“The king is too gentle with you. If you were mine, I’d chain you up and teach you what it means to truly be taken by an alpha,” he growled. “You’d learn your place once and for all.
“But maybe that’s what you want, you dirty omega cunt. Maybe you want a real alpha to smack you around?” he threatened. There was a perilously dangerous edge to his voice, and I decided it would probably be best not to push him any further.
It was no use hiding any longer. He knew I was there. I wouldn’t be able to run or hide. I’d been caught.
With an increasing sense of dread, I climbe
d out from under his desk. I held my head high and tried to appear brave and unafraid, but deep inside I was scared. Would he touch me? Would he beat me or even kill me?
He stared back at me like I was his next meal. His gaze traveled down my body, settling on my breasts and then further down between my legs. His nostrils flared and I took a step back in defense.
“Relax. I will deliver you to the king untouched,” he spat, and I turned away. “Follow me,” he demanded cruelly. He turned away from me, expecting me to follow and I did, but not before I snarled in silence behind his back. I knew better than to openly challenge him. I had no doubt that he wouldn’t hesitate to really hurt me given the chance.
The walk back to the king’s chambers was long. I kept my head down as he led me into my abandoned bedroom and locked me inside. I pressed my ear against the door and tried to listen when I heard the murmur of voices not far away.
“Your omega, my king. I found her in my study,” Neegan began.
“What was she looking for?” Magnar answered, but his voice was strained and that scared me.
“I don’t know,” he replied.
“She’s hiding something. I’m sure of it,” Magnar growled furiously.
A cold shiver raced down my spine.
“I’ve locked her in her chambers for you, my king,” Neegan said.
“Good. I will deal with her very thoroughly tomorrow.”
My stomach danced with butterflies at his words. What was he going to do with me? Would he kill me for something like this?
“Sleep well, Magnar.”
“You as well, Neegan. Goodnight.”
I pushed away from the door, anxiously chewing on my lip. The thought of him dealing with me caused a shiver of fear to plummet straight down to my core. Would he want to see me? Did I want to see him?